Manic Monday: Day to Night

It's Monday...which means back to work and back to those groggy mornings of trying to figure out what to wear.

Skirt:  Eloquii (Available here)

I don't have a lot of need for day to night fashion.  I usually go home to my kids and man right after work and peel off my clothes in favor of sweatpants.  I live an exciting life, I tell ya! ;-D

Honestly, I'm such a homebody, I wouldn't have it any other way, but on rare occasion, I may have an event or after work date for which a day-to-night option is favored.

 Tank:  Eloquii (Available here)

Tonight's look is perfect for transitioning from the work day to an evening function.  This look makes me feel sharp, sophisticated, and professional - all the things I want to feel at work.

Jacket:  Forever 21+

The peplum skirt is flattering, and I love the midi length.  The skirt is too long for me (as compared to the intended fit), but I like it. 

I had the skirt taken in to get a more pencil-y fit, and I plan to get it taken in a bit more to get the super sleek fit I'm wanting.  I may also have the peplum shortened a bit to be in better proportion to my frame.  

As it is now though, I still love it, and the cropped jacket has just the right fit to top the skirt.

Satchel:  Target

To transition this outfit to evening, I lowered the tank a bit and added a fun clutch.

Clutch:  Torrid

Boots:  New Look (Available here)

As professional as this outfit makes me feel, it also makes me feel really sexy, making it perfect for after work dinner or drinks with the hubby!

Glasses:  Valentino

I think when you're choosing an option for day to night, first and foremost, you need to feel great in what you're wearing.  It needs to be comfortable and non-fussy (you don't want to be fidgeting with your outfit all day AND night).

Necklace:  The Limited

Finishing off the look, I went with a couple of bold pieces of jewelry and booties.  A gold coil necklace and cuff works well for day but also transitions easily to night, and I'm always up for comfy booties any time, day or night (more on these new booties later).

Bracelet:  The Limited

Do you have much need for day-to-night work wear options?  How do you make the transition?

For the jacket in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. 

Desk to Drinks

Planning a Valentine's Day-related event sometime during the week?  If you are heading straight out from the office to drinks, dinner, or another event, you may not have time to change.

Skirt:  The Limited (old)

But, your look can be ready for romance (even if the romance is with your fabulous self!!) and still be work-appropriate.

Blouse:  Target

Blazer:  New York & Company (old)

Shoes:  Target

Here, I paired a soft pink pencil skirt with a floral crop top.  The blazer keeps you appropriate for work, while it also adds a cooler edge to the overall look.

Ring:  Gift

This is a great look for heading out with friends after work.  Simply swap out a work bag for a cute wristlet or clutch, and you're good to go!

Earrings:  Ixora Boutique

About this bag - I was immediately drawn to the message.  I saw it as a promotion of confidence.  Life's too short to feel negatively about yourself.  A message of self-love can only be positive, right? 

Wristlet:  Torrid

Then, my analytical side kicked in.  Should a bag marketed to women say "girls"?  Does this message promote the annoying and sexist message that women are always supposed to smile and be happy?  Is it insensitive to women who just aren't at a happy place in their lives? 

In the end, my emotional reaction to the bag won out. No matter your size, shape, sex or gender identity, color, abilities, etc., confidence always comes off as attractive.  With confidence, you project positive energy, which draws others to you.  Happy PEOPLE are the prettiest!! :-D

Eyeglass Frames:  Valentino

Do you have any after-work V-Day plans this year?

For the skirt in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For this top in another look, see here.
For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Day To Night Minimalism

Hope your week is off to a good start!  I'm sorry I've been gone from the blogosphere for a while.

I've been so busy with work and fun time and haven't had a lot of time or energy for blogging. For me, blogging has ups and downs. When I start to feel blogger burnout, I try to step back a bit instead of forcing myself to write without passion.  While I take my blogging seriously, I never want it to feel like just another "job."

Skirt:  The Limited

It's kind of nice to be living life though, having fun playing board games with the kids and getting ready for Halloween, going to fashion shows, and spending a little time with the man.  Sometimes, I get so bogged down between my paid job and blogging that I let myself lose focus on actually living!!

I'm feeling a little more refreshed and have several posts planned, including today's outfit post featuring yesterday's work look with a day to night twist.

Top:  New York & Company (Available here)

Here, a statement making necklace helps bring together a solid pencil skirt, trapeze top, and blazer.

I love minimalist looks, but I would be bored by this outfit if it weren't for the necklace and textured bag.  For me, basic pieces usually require a little something extra to help make a look feel interesting and more unique.

Blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)
Satchel:  The Limited

While this outfit felt polished and professional for work, I would swap out the black blazer for a moto jacket for a super quick day to night switch.

Jacket:  Torrid (Available here)

FYI, I normally wear a size 0 at Torrid and sized up to a 1 in this jacket to get a more relaxed and slightly longer fit in this cropped jacket. 

I plan on getting the sleeves shortened soon, but otherwise, I'm happy with the fit.



Boots:  Target

Earrings:  New York & Company

Do you have any quick day to night wardrobe tricks?  Which look do you prefer? 

For this skirt in other looks, see here and here.
For this blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.